The weeks went by and they were happy they hadn't acted rashly. Harry was loving his art class so much and he hadn't looked pale from it in some time. Tom hadn't dropped the class but for now he was holding back. He didn't want to have Harry whisked off before he could convince his little love to come back. News from back home was startling. The twins were shocked to learn two of their brothers were now in prison. Xeno didn't know all the details but said rumours were Hermione and Bill were lovers and tried to off her husband. Draco knew if it was true Hermione being alive was thanks only to the baby she carried in her.

It was nearing Christmas and the first real event for any of them. The first birthday was Severus in January. Harry had lost his last one in captivity. Remus and Severus made it their mission to make Christmas special for the boys. They hadn't been certain how but new traditions always started.

Harry had been putting it off but he knew he needed to go into town for gifts "Could you pick me up late from art class?"

Severus who had been taking him was surprised "I assume so. Is something up?"

Harry shook his head "I just need to finish some shopping for Christmas."

Happy that Harry was feeling up to another step Severus agreed. Harry came to art classes alone but was dropped off and picked up right after. For a moment Severus thought about Tom. Remus mentioned he had seen Tom here though not sure if in the class. Severus shook away the concern though. They had both agreed Tom wasn't a real threat and not to worry Harry. As he watched Harry climb from the car he was realizing how much more like a son he saw Harry.

Harry took up his seat in art and was a bit surprised when Tom sat down next to him. It had been a few weeks since he had. Maybe he had realized he being so forward had made Harry uncomfortable. He didn't even try to talk to him until after class.

Tom handed him a pencil he dropped "You seem a bit distracted."

Harry accepted it "I guess I am just trying to come up with an idea for gifts. It is our first Christmas here."

Tom smiled "There is a framing place in town. Why don't you have some of your work framed for them?"

Harry looked self consciously down at his portfolio. He hadn't really shown them much. He could admit since his work was inspired by them there was likely a piece that would work well for each. He wasn't sure why but he showed Tom some of the pieces. He seemed drawn most to the albino dragon clutching a small winged item in his talons and the one of a wolf with a stag and a dog.

For the first time Harry actually agreed to his company. He wasn't certain about giving his art as gifts but he had no other plan. The local shop took the pieces and promised to have them ready for Christmas.

Tom smiled when Harry thanked him "How about that ice cream? I would like to apologize for being so forward before."

Harry blushed a bit but he nodded "My Uncle isn't picking me up for another half hour. And I owe you for your help."

Tom tried protesting Harry paying but got no where "Next time it is on me. I enjoyed helping. I don't have any family of my own to shop for."

Harry was still so nervous and could barely look at the man. He kept remembering his comments about Harry's lips and the memories it inspired. But the man hadn't touched him or mentioned kissing him. Tom started instead talking to him about his art work. Harry was well into the conversation and he didn't notice the time. He ended up having to hurry back to meet Severus. He was worried when the man's eyes narrowed and asked why.

Severus reminded himself that Harry wasn't to know "Nothing. Have you finished your shopping?"

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Hermione was being allowed to leave the manor for once. She hadn't been out since the trial Lucius wasn't easing up at all just taking her to the healer. The healers had come to her but for an ultrasound she had to be at the hospital. It would have been a bit early for a muggle as she was only ten weeks but magic could do it that soon. Her husband was anxious to know for sure it was a boy. Hermione could admit she was terrified if it wasn't.

Lucius looked at the slut as the test was started. He wouldn't mind a girl down the line but it better be a boy he thought. He had yet to find his good for nothing former son and end his life. But he needed a new son who he could raise up to be a proper Malfoy.

Lucius didn't care to see the heart or the rest "Boy or girl?"

The man looked up "A girl."

Hermione went as white as the sheets she was on. Lucius had been referring to this as his son. He had reminded Hermione she was alive because of her son. She had no doubts she wouldn't have lived to go on trial. Her husband would have simply killed her.

Lucius was irate and didn't speak until home "I will bed you as soon as she is born. And you better hope you give me a son or you will wish for the kiss."

Hermione backed away from him "It isn't my fault it is a girl. And there is nothing worse then the kiss."

Lucius had been about to leave but whirled back on her. He wanted to kill her where she stood but that was what she wanted. He wasn't going to give her an easy way out. Besides even if a girl the baby was his child. He would never allow her to be heir but he wouldn't kill his own child. Well not one who hadn't betrayed him.

He whispered in her ear before leaving her to her room "Oh trust me there is far worse. Cross me again and you will find out."